Biodiversity and Ecology

Transcription

1 Biodiversity and Ecology Admission Requirements Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 4 Physical Sciences 4 Mathematics 4 1st year (c = 140) Curriculum 1 Biology 124(16), 144(16), 154(16) Chemistry 114(16), 154(16) Computer Skills 171(4) Mathematics (Bio) 124(16) Physics (Bio) 134(16), 154(16) Scientific Communication Skills 172(8) 2nd year (c = 128) Compulsory modules (c = 96) Biodiversity and Ecology 212(16), 214(16), 224(16),244(16), 254(16), 264(16) Plus Elective modules (c = 32) Biochemistry 214(16), 244(16) Genetics 214(16), 244(16) Microbiology 244(16) 3rd year (c = 128) Compulsory modules (c = 96) Biodiversity and Ecology 315(16), 324(16), 334(16), 344(16), 354(16), 364(16) plus Elective modules (c = 32) Biochemistry 314(16) Genetics 314(16) Geo-Environmental Science 124(16) Each module s change is discussed separately Statistics and other tools for biologists 3L, 3P TE This module is a thorough introduction to the key numerical skills and processes underpinning the good practice of biological science. It covers statistical analyses; the concept of null and alternative hypotheses, data handling and logical interpretation; data presentation and scientific communication; advanced use of Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint, and the use of Statsoft Statistica. Hands-on statistical exercises cover a range of parametric, non-parametric and contingency-based analyses from descriptive statistics through to combinations of Analysis of Variance and regression analysis. Applied scientific investigatory principles to biology are explored using experimental design, ethics, scientific and popular publication processes, and the use of scientific literature. 1

2 PP Computer Skills Principles of Ecology 3L, 3P E The basics of aquatic biology and population ecology are taught integrating theory and practical field work. Topics will focus on population growth and life history strategies used by organisms to maximize fitness. This module will be closely integrated with the Biodiversity and Ecology 212 module where students will be taught how to analyse ecological data. There will be a three day, compulsory field course where students conduct their own research projects. PP Biology 144 PP Mathematics 114, 144 C Biodiversity and Ecology 212 or other replacement statistics module offered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences Biodiversity and Ecology 224 Diversity and function of invertebrates replaces Zoology254. The content is revised with approximately 40% new content. The Yearbook entries have been re-worded for consistency in module descriptions on offer. The re-description of the module does not imply complete content change but indicates the new focus of the module and is written in a more succinct way Diversity and function of invertebrates 3L, 3P T The focus is invertebrate diversity and physiology. Major evolutionary morphological features (form) within each of the phyla that allow animals to survive in their respective habitats and eventually colonize the terrestrial environment will be explored. Within each environment (marine, freshwater and terrestrial) students will be exposed to the physiological challenges animals have to endure in order to survive. Major physiological changes within major invertebrate phyla will be explored in relation to their evolution. The practical component of the course will entail both laboratory and field components. PP Biology 144; Principles of Evolution 3L, 3P The principle evolutionary mechanisms which shape the biological world will be dealt with. It provides a historical perspective on the development of the major ideas in evolutionary thinking and tackles the interface between evolutionary research and the public s perception of it. Topics covered include theoretical genetic models which underly modern molecular genetic approaches, natural selection and how it operates, the distinctions and links between micro- and macroevolution and how species are formed and lost. In addition to theoretical understanding, students will be exposed to the design and execution of experiments in evolution. PP Biology 124; 144; 154 PP Mathematics 114, 144 C Biodiversity and Ecology 212, 224, 254, 264 2

3 Vertebrate Life 3L, 3P T The Vertebrate story: where they originated, present diversity, how they evolved, what they do and how they work. Topics include characteristic features of vertebrates and their body plans; the broad pattern of the evolutionary relationships of vertebrates; ontogeny of vertebrates and the evolutionary implications of developmental mechanisms; basic anatomy, physiology and evolution of vertebrate organ systems; reproductive biology and strategies: sex determination; hormonal control; seasonal cycles; evolution of viviparity; thermo-energetics; water balance, osmoregulation and excretion; surviving in extreme environments. This module includes practical sessions/workshops and a research project with data collected in the laboratory or during a field excursion. P Chemistry 144,154 PP Biology 124, Biodiversity and Ecology Diversity of Plant Form and Function 3L, 3P T Plants occupy the most diverse habitats on earth. A wide range of morphological and physiological adaptations are required to conquer these habitats. The diversity of plant form and function will be explored as interlinked themes to understand how plants grow, respond to natural cycles, capture resources and survive in adverse conditions. The theory and practicals will explore each theme in a complimentary way that will include formal lectures, group discussions, laboratory and field experiments. PP Biology 144; Ecology Field Course 3L, 3P E This is a field-based module. The location of the module will change from year to year. The module will be timed to fall outside of the formal lecture periods, typically two weeks during January. The aim of the module is to bring ecological and evolutionary theory to life in the field. The main foci are biotic interactions (e.g. pollination, competition, facilitation), animal behaviour and ecosystem level ecology. Lectures, assignments and discussion groups will be conducted in the field as well as during the normal university term time. This module is a restricted module and largely limited to students registered in the BDE programme. Participants maybe selected from other programmes based on past performance and available places. PP Biology 144 PP Mathematics 114, 144 PP Biodiversity and Ecology 212, 214 3

4 Angiosperm diversity and evolution 3L, 3P T TTheory investigates the origin and phylogenetic relationships among angiosperms, as determined through different classification systems. Angiosperm diversification and classification is studied through the use of morphological, anatomical, embryological, palynological and molecular characters. The role of hybridization and polyploidy in the diversification of the angiosperm lineage is assessed. Specialized morphological and physiological adaptations to suboptimal environments and the effect of such adaptations on the diversification of angiosperms are discussed. The practical series focuses on Fynbos taxa and plant identification up to the family level. PP Biology 144,154 PP Biodiversity and Ecology Global Change Biology 3L, 3P T The study of global change, with a biological perspective which brings together historical and current evidence for such change, and summarises the main drivers thereof. Topics include global climate change, anthropogenic change such as pollution, land use, and the spread of invasive species. Data at different spatial and temporal scales and at different levels of biological organisation are covered, highlighting the technologies and numerical techniques used to study these processes. Finally, ways of ameliorating the process are covered, as is communication about all of the above topics both between scientists, and between science and the public. PP Biodiversity and Ecology 212, 214, 224, 244, 254, Evolutionary ecology 3L, 3P E Topical themes in evolutionary ecology will be covered, namely the evolution of behavior, biotic interactions and of physiology. This module will deal with the following, as well as related, topics: game theory; optimal foraging theory; life history evolution; evolution of sex; sexual selection and sex ratios; altruism and the evolution of sociality. Evolutionary arms races with mimicry and sexual conflict as examples; coevolution of plant animal interactions. The link between behavior and physiology and physiological tolerances and constraints on survival, life histories and reproductive strategies. Appropriate field and statistical techniques used in evolutionary ecology research will be covered during practical sessions.. PP Biodiversity and Ecology 212, 214, Biodiversity and Ecology Evolutionary Patterns and Processes 3L, 3P T Evolutionary theory underpins all of modern biology and is used and applied to generate hypotheses pertinent to the understanding of biodiversity and ecology. By adopting a multi-level approach the module focus on the following topics: Time tree of life, evolutionary biogeography, genetic diversity and differentiation among populations, gene flow, terrestrial and marine phylogeography, reconstruction of a phylogeny, gene trees / species trees, coalescent, rates of evolution, taxonomy, evolutionary classification, conservation genetics, molecular ecology, invasion genetics, genome evolution, cytogenetics / chromosomal evolution, evodevo. PP Biology 124 PP Biodiversity and Ecology 244 4

5 Conservation Biology 3L, 3P T A variety of topics relevant to conservation biology will be covered, and will draw from the fields of ecology and genetics. It aims to equip young biologists and conservation managers with a working knowledge on modern conservation biology principles, and will cover topics such as the relevance of genetic diversity, adaptive evolution, genetic and ecological consequences of fragmentation, relevant policy framework, units for conservation. 5